Category Archives: Living on Grace

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The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe isn’t situated in the middle of Advent out of coincidence. Advent was made for women – and not just because we bake all the cookies and buy all the gifts. Like us, Mary was made for this season and the way she completed her mission in Guadalupe gives us a blueprint of how to confront the challenges of today.

Traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and “the real Santa Claus,” whose feast day is December 6, recall his legendary love for God, children, and the poor. Here are some ways to honor the memory of this ancient gift-giver, offsetting the commercialization of Christmas and re-centering the season’s true spirit on Jesus.

Interior of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris (Wikicommons)

November 27th each year commemorates the manifestation of Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal. This sacramental, known and beloved worldwide, arose from the humblest of origins, in keeping with those of the Virgin whose image it bears.

One of the most important spiritual maxims we’ll ever learn is that nothing happens in this world without the order of God, and that He turns all things to good if we submit to His will. Although we usually apply this to rough times, Thanksgiving reminds us that there’s an important “flip-side” to this adage – all the good times that He has willed for us in the past year.

“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Who is bringing a thankful heart to their Thanksgiving table? This holiday season consider bringing an attitude of gratitude to your feast, along with the pumpkin pie, the sweet potatoes and turkey. I promise you every one at the table will beg for a second helping.

Food always has been one of our basic necessities, but during these days approaching Thanksgiving, food takes on an even greater, more meaningful significance than usual. Shopping for and readying all the elements of the traditional holiday menu become matters of prime importance as we prepare to celebrate with family and friends. Read the rest…

We’ve all done it from time to time – had a spat with someone and refused to let go – but when these “spats” go on for years, and are based in much more than a simple misunderstanding, how do we let go and bring our families back together again?